DENVER MADE HISTORY: Jokić Played at Half Speed as the Nuggets Won by 54 Points — Here’s the Record They Broke!

Chinese center Yang Hansen said during All-Star Weekend that he wanted to kiss Nikola Jokić if he met him — something that ultimately did not happen. A few days later, however, the Serbian star visited Hansen in Portland, where the two warmly greeted each other and spoke before the game. With relations already friendly and knowing he had an opponent who idolizes him, Jokić decided to showcase his full offensive arsenal.

He delivered a basketball masterclass, dismantling the defense of the Portland Trail Blazers almost single-handedly. In fact, the game was practically decided by halftime — or even earlier — as Jokić scored 19 points in the first quarter and 24 by the break.

He finished the game with 32 points (7/11 two-pointers, 3/4 three-pointers, 9/11 free throws), nine rebounds, seven assists, and four steals in just 29 minutes, leading the Denver Nuggets to a dominant 157–103 road victory.

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Response After Difficult Games

In the previous three games, the Serbian center had recorded 22 turnovers — the highest total across three consecutive games since entering the NBA. Combined with poor shooting during that stretch, Jokić clearly knew what needed improvement. Against Portland, he immediately demonstrated adjustments to his playstyle.

Recognizing that rookie center Donovan Clingan struggled to match him defensively, Jokić took on the role of primary scorer, delighting Nuggets fans. He played the entire first quarter without committing a single turnover while scoring from virtually every position on the court.

He hit his first three attempts from beyond the arc, converted floaters, mid-range shots, and drives to the basket, scoring 19 points in the opening quarter alone and giving Denver a +14 lead. He also contributed defensively with multiple steals before heading to the bench for rest — as is often the case after playing the full opening period, this time with a bandaged wrist.

Total Control Before Halftime

Jokić returned with five minutes remaining in the first half. In classic fashion, after taking 12 shots in the first quarter, he attempted only one field goal in the second — an incredible off-balance bank shot through contact from two defenders.

He reached halftime with 24 points, five rebounds, and four assists without a turnover, while Denver led by 29 points. Jamal Murray added 18 points, including five three-pointers, as the Nuggets scored 82 points — the second-highest first-half total in franchise history.

Magic Passing and Historic Margin

Jokić shot sparingly in the third quarter but dazzled with playmaking, including a no-look assist to Julian Strawther and another pass threaded between the legs of Robert Williams III for easy points.

Denver entered the final quarter with a massive 40-point lead, making Jokić’s return unnecessary. The rest also came at the perfect moment following a demanding stretch after his injury comeback.

By the end of the night, the Nuggets had recorded:

the largest road win in franchise history,
the most points scored by Denver away from home, and
the highest single-game point total by any NBA team this season.

Supporting Cast Dominates

Murray finished with 25 points, six rebounds, and six assists. Strawther and Tim Hardaway Jr. scored 19 each, while Christian Braun contributed 11 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists.

For Portland, Jrue Holiday led with 19 points, Deni Avdija added 15 points, eight rebounds, and 13 assists, while Clingan also scored 15. Scoot Henderson and Vít Krejčí added 11 points each, and Toumani Camara finished with 10.